What do China's Chengdu and Saadiyat Island in the United Arab Emirates have in common? Answer: They're all the sites of major future architectural projects featured in the exhibition "GA International 2007," currently running at the GA Gallery in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward. Though small (the exhibition takes up two rooms), the gallery displays designs and models by 25 of the world's leading architects, six of whom come from Japan.
Among the exhibits are plans and a model for a project titled "Spiritual Center of Chengdu" by Kanagawa native Kengo Kuma, to be built on what the locals consider to be sacred ground. Kuma describes the site as "a place of scenic beauty that feels like a real-life Xanadu."
The gallery also includes plans for Saadiyat offshore island, which will be home to five cultural facilities designed by several architects, including Osaka native Tadao Ando.
"GA International 2007" runs through Aug. 5 at GA Gallery, 3-12-14 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. The gallery is a 10-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station's Takeshita dori exit off Meiji dori (turn left before Subway restaurant). Admission is 500. For more information, visit www.ga-ada.co.jp
